Well Olds, you better learn how to spell (and say) M-U-Z-Y-C-H-K-A, and quick.
This morning (Tuesday, Sept. 19), Mayor Judy Dahl voluntarily withdrew as a candidate for the upcoming municipal election, leaving Michael Muzychka acclaimed as the new mayor of Olds.
"I'm shocked," said Muzychka. "My head is spinning, so I don't even know what direction to head in quite yet."
"I figured it would have been the battle of my life to try and unseat somebody like Judy Dahl."
Mayor Dahl said that it was with great reluctance that she chose to withdraw as a mayoral candidate.
"I'm going to admit that I am a little numb right now," she said. "I did it because my heart told me I had to do it, and I accepted it, and it's done."
"I've been the mayor for 13 years," she said. "The reality hit that four more years is something that you have to be extremely passionate about."
"Let me put it this way. I can't let my career become my identity and my life."
The mayor said that she has been waiting a long time to make this decision, and with a second candidate stepping up to the plate during yesterday's nominations, she felt this was an opportunity for her to step away.
"I was very happy with the outcome of yesterday," she said. "Feeling that beautiful energy of all those nomination papers that came in yesterday."
"And there's no good time. It's time."
Muzychka had already been planning to hold a meet-the-candidate event tomorrow evening, and said he will carry on as previously planned.
"(I am) still going to get my platform put together," he said.
While he is still ironing out the finer points of his would-have-been platform, Muzychka summed it up as: pro-business, pro-family, pro-seniors.
"I just want to continue the great job that Judy had done with senior housing in the town; I want to put families first; and maybe lift a few of the restrictions on business currently here and trying to come to Olds," he said.
Mayor Dahl said she doesn't know Muzychka personally, but that she doesn't need to.
"I do not need to know his personality," she said. "He's going to be stepping into a spot that I trust he will take some government education for, as is allowed, and take the opportunity to learn his position as a mayor."
Meanwhile, the mayor says she and her husband have no plans to go anywhere.
"This is my home," she said. "I helped build this place, and I love the people in this community."
MORE: Acclaimed mayor Michael Muzychka will hold a meet-the-candidate event tomorrow evening, Sep 20 at 7 p.m. at the Cow Palace.
Following is a letter to Olds residents issued by Dahl:
OPEN LETTER TO PEOPLE OF OLDS
To all who my path has crossed over my 27 years in municipal government, either as an employee of the Town of Olds or elected mayor: "Cheers." I felt inspired by the responsibility to help make the lives of Olds residents better, along with the opportunity to support a brilliant community filled with dedicated citizens, businesses and valued community organizations willing to encourage each other.
The relationships I have nurtured with community, council colleagues, administration and elected officials across Alberta, truly will remain the foundation of lasting memories in my life.
I AM privileged the residents of Olds entrusted my voice, along with six council members, to provide leadership, plan and build your future.
Winds of change are calling: I acknowledge through deep reflection, it is time to release my tether and endeavour to spread my wings.
All the best to each candidate for your courage to step forward in the name of your community.
Yours in CommUNITY.
With Gratefulness in My HEART.
Judy DAHL, Tuesday September 19th, 2017
"I figured it would have been the battle of my life to try and unseat somebody like Judy Dahl." (Acclaimed mayor Michael Muzychka)
